Sound Engineers at Concerts: Tackling Stage Noise
On live concert stages, sound engineers frequently battle against noise interference. Kick drums often bleed into vocal microphones, and guitar amps can disrupt monitor feeds. Singers dropping microphones can cause lyrics to disappear. Traditional solutions involve equalization, compression, and volume adjustments, relying on human judgment.
Source Intelligence at Hollywood Bowl
This summer, a breakthrough is occurring at the Hollywood Bowl. Source Intelligence, a machine learning system developed by L’Acoustics, listens to every microphone on stage. It isolates a vocalist’s voice from surrounding noise with unprecedented precision, achieving up to 40 decibels of rejection. Laurent Vaissié, L’Acoustics’ CEO, mentions that it’s approximately 20 decibels better than existing technologies.
Enhancing Audience Experience
Sound designer Fred Vogler notes the practical effects of this system. “The guitar amp and drums are eliminated from the mic — only the vocal remains,” he says, attributing it to startling clarity.
The upgrade from the K Series to the L Series has been dramatic, Fred Vogler remarked.
Alongside Source Intelligence, the Bowl introduces the flagship L Series line array system and an immersive surround installation. Together, they herald a transformative audio experience.
Physics Behind the Upgrade: The L1 Line Array System
The centerpiece is L’Acoustics’ new L1 line array system. A rethinking of its predecessor’s architecture, it integrates speakers into reshaped cabinets, minimizing loss of coherence due to physical gaps. The L1 boasts a 30% smaller footprint while delivering more power.
The Bowl’s configuration poses unique challenges. Seats at the top are 400 feet from the stage, exacerbating noise bleed concerns for neighboring areas. Historically, engineers dealt with variances of six to nine decibels across seating. With the L1, this gap reduces to around three decibels, enhancing consistency and audience experience.
Machine Learning Transforming Live Sound
The evolution of live sound relies heavily on AI components. Source Intelligence, originating as a DJ tool for stem separation, now enhances vocal isolation on live stages. It creates cleaner signals for the mixing board by separating vocals from stage noise, benefiting mixing engineers who can elevate vocals without amplifying unwanted sounds.
Celebrated artists, including Harry Styles, The Weeknd, and Bruno Mars, utilize the system during tours, highlighting its impact on sound clarity.
Immersive Surround Sound Installation
A notable addition is L-ISA, L’Acoustics’ new immersive sound platform. It envelops audiences in spatial audio, transforming the outdoor amphitheater into a concert hall atmosphere using a room engine and surround object mode.
Product manager Scott Sugden describes L-ISA as a potentially expansive immersive sound deployment, unprecedented in size. Sound engineer Vogler tests this carefully, creating a club-like ambiance without drawing attention away from performances.
Hollywood Bowl: Bridging Past and Present
Founded in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl’s current structure dates to a 2004 renovation. L’Acoustics’ partnership began in 2004, and the venue first installed the K1 system in 2013. The L1 system debut reflects ongoing commitment to sound excellence.
More than 130 shows are scheduled this summer, all utilizing the Bowl’s superior house system. It represents remarkable confidence in the venue’s infrastructure.
The L Series, Source Intelligence, and L-ISA collectively mark the Bowl’s most significant leap forward since amplified sound became the norm, showcasing a future of smarter, precise, and immersive sound technology.